Campaign uses Marley, celebs to aid African crisis

View full sizeIsland RecordsBob Marley's songs are being used to raise awareness

NEW YORK — A Bob Marley song and the social media power of celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Eminem may help encourage people to donate to try to end the crisis in East Africa.

On Tuesday, the “I’m Gonna Be Your Friend” campaign was launched to raise money and awareness. About 10 million are suffering through a famine in Somalia due to a blistering drought.

A short film about the crisis was set to the Marley & the Wailers song “High Tide or Low Tide.” Stars like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and about 150 others have pledged to promote it and the cause on Facebook and Twitter. The video will be for sale on iTunes, through Bob Marley’s Facebook page and the website of the campaign. Funds raised will be donated to Save the Children.